Here's a look at what we can expect from the teams participating in this year's version of the All-A Classic where the semi-finals and finals will be held at Raceland on Jan. 17th.

 

Schedule

Thursday Jan 10th @ Fairview

Fairview vs. West Carter 7:30

 

Saturday Jan 12th @ Elliott

Elliott vs. Menifee 7:30

 

Saturday Jan. 12th @ Morgan

Morgan vs. Rose Hill

 

Saturday Jan. 12th @ Russell

Russell vs. Bath

 

Saturday Jan 12th @ Raceland

Raceland vs. Winner of Fairview/West Carter

 

Semifinals @ Raceland for top half of bracket Monday Jan 14th @7:30

Semifinals @ Raceland for lower half of bracket Tuesday Jan 15th @7:30

 

Finals @ Raceland Thursday Jan 15th @7:30

 

Players to watch

Kyle Skaggs-leading scorer in the region and the Devils go as he goes. Currently he has suffered a broken nose, and we have no idea how that will effect his participation or play. Assuming there's no effect, he'll be the key for Russell with his ability to put points on the board.

Kyle Brown- another dynamic scorer for West Carter who will have his hands full to get West past the play in vs. Raceland. If they get by Fairview and Raceland, Brown could pull one out of his hat if for some reason Russell falters.

Jordan Perry- the addition of the transfers has allowed Perry some room to score and takes the bulk of the ballhandling duties from his shoulders. He could put up some significant numbers for Morgan and they'll need them if they want to contend for that title.

Alexander Malinic-post presence and a banger for Morgan who will likely be a major factor the first two games with his size advantage over the first two opponents, assuming they advance. It'll be a "taller" order for them to get past Russell, also assuming they advance.

Lance Evans- the Russell big man has started to fit into his role as a post player for the Devils. His play on both ends of the floor have proven to be the major difference maker for Russell this season. Likely he'll be a huge factor for Russell if they end up in what most presume as a final vs. Morgan.

 

Top Teams

Russell- the Red Devils are playing as well as anyone in the region. Guard play has been outstanding with Porter, Skaggs, Hayes and the improved play of Steven Estep along with Lance Evans has made Russell a force in the 16th regardless of size. A big win over Ashland has them rolling right now.

Morgan- minus the loss to Russell earlier in the EKC, the Cougars are undefeated within the region and look to redeem themselves with a run here. Aguire, Perry and Malinic lead Morgan and provide consistent performance on both ends of the floor for Coach Perry. Expect to see them in the finals.

Elliott- you simply can't count out the Lions of Elliott when they make a ton of treys. One thing is for sure, they are gonna shoot 'em. Can Nickell and company make enough?

West Carter- While they haven't played terribly well, it's hard to count out a Jeremy Webb coached club when he has a scorer like Kyle Brown. The question is and has been, can he get enough help?

Fairview- a team full of fine athletes who simply haven't put it all together yet. Devin Turner is as fast as anyone in the region from baseline to baseline, but the cast seems out of sorts. Can coach Cooksey get them on track in time to make a run?

 

 

How we see it

 

Barring a monumental upset, this regional title and a trip to Frankfort will likely come down to a highly anticipated rematch between Russell and Morgan. While it's not a home game for Russell, Raceland would be the next best thing as you can expect a full house of Devil fans for the rematch if it comes to fruition. The first game in the EKC between the two was nip and tuck with Russell coming out on top by a slim margin. Unless there is an issue with Skaggs and his injury, we expect the Devils to be the 16th representative in the small school state tourney. I suspect that coach Perry and Morgan would love to play spoiler and represent the 16th on their own, and maybe, just maybe there's a sleeper out there who can get hot enough to make a run? Elliott and their 3 barrage? Should make for an exciting tourney. We want to wish all of the teams good luck and the best to whomever represents the 16th.

Edited January 7, 201313 yr by Tom Terrific

How long has the 16th had this format of playing earlier round games on home courts & then semis/finals at the same locale? I kind of like that.

 

Also agree with this breakdown, assuming the nose doesn't bother Skaggs too much. I see the Red Devils representing the 16th in Frankfort.

Perhaps someone with more knowledge could expound about it, but seems that the entire tourney when Euton/Jackson and Rose Hill won it, it was all at Bath. Maybe I'm mistaken, it may have only been the semi's and finals there. But I recall them beating Elliott there with the Faulkners.

Whomever represents the 16th will have a tough time in the 2nd round if they make it past the 3rd region opponent in the first round. Winner of the 10th and 7th will be a tough game. I'd like to see Russell make a run if they win it. West Carter made a solid run a couple of season ago.